2009 November | Fashion For Lunch

Archive for November, 2009

The Gift-Watch

Jewellery is always a popular gift to give or receive during the holiday season– a necklace for mum, a bracelet for your friend, a ring from your partner (the very best naturally!)–and this Christmas is no different of course. But what about a watch? Unfortunately we often forget about our most consistently worn accessory (well, at least during the days before mobile phones).

Some prefer a different wrist accessory for every day of the week, and in that case we give you the collage above– a mix of rainbow bright watches from Asos and Browns to colour coordinate as you go. For others, it’s all about the ‘wow’ factor. This includes but doesn’t necessarily apply strictly to wrist bling. A few of our favourite designers have come up with some pretty inventive time pieces below.

Not really a watch kind of girl? Mr. Jacobs has solved this dilemma with his necklace pendant (£115). If you don’t mind tipping your chin to read the hands, this quirky solution doubles as a delicate gold necklace. Well played.

Watch Rox stars beware: you may be spending many a minute letting others study your brilliant time-teller (£380). Bex Rox’s stunning silver marcasite leopard watch is limited edition, so get your paws on it quick!

A sophisticated style with a modern design, Michael Kors wide gold and tortoiseshell mix is the perfect gift (£145).

Go bold or go home. Juicy Couture’s black and white bangle is more bracelet than watch– the tiny face just blends right in (£199). Functional and fashionable, no one will even notice when you’re counting down the seconds.

Shop all styles on LynkU.

30.11.2009 / no responses / Category: Haute Holidays
Star style

The stars came out to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation Winter Ball at the Dorchester Hall this weekend, and we have to say Nicola Roberts shined. The Girls Aloud singer has carved out a niche for herself in the fashion scene of late (her fashion week wardrobe was phenomenal!) and Saturday night was no different. Sparkling in a lovely teal-coloured Issa London gown with bright red nail varnish, Nicola looked effortlessly elegant and festive–tousled coif and all. The plunging neckline and gathered fabric ruched down the centre of the bodice accentuated her tiny frame. We especially love how the green silk jersey played off Nicola’s ivory skin. Paired with a delicate gold choker and two-tone metallic clutch, Nicola’s on-trend accessories made the outfit.

Shop the look below:

Issa London silk-jersey blend dress £440

Kenneth Jay Lane gold coloured ring necklace on sale £36L.K. Bennett Revel clutch £227.50

Essie Fishnet Stockings nail varnish £7.50

30.11.2009 / no responses / Category: Celebrity Style File
Visions of sugar plums

Holiday season is in full-force, meaning lots of parties, cocktails and little puddings and cakes (we especially loves those puddings and cakes), so we thought it best to give you a sneak peak of the lovely lingerie available this winter to inspire you to keep those cravings in check (you know, more sweet styles, less plum shape). There are embroidered corsets outlined in lace and ribbon and delicate underwires with matching frilly separates to suit any style.

Topshop’s underwear has a vintage feels, whilst Myla’s deep crimson collection outlines all the right curves seductively. As always, La Perla gives us a variety of colours to choose from. Lacy pink tonight? Or perhaps black chiffon?

And because it’s the gift he loves to give, but hates to be seen buying, send this post straight on to your partner. He can click away in private, and you get the luxurious lingerie gifts you love. Pretty from underneath out, and you’re sure to leave visions of sugar plums dancing in his head…

27.11.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway, Haute Holidays
My Fair Audrey

It’s rare to find an of icon of style who is beloved worldwide. And then there’s Audrey. Miss Hepburn’s inimitable wardrobe was filled with unique designs from Hubert de Givenchy, with whom she developed a life-long partnership and friendship, and Valentino. There is no other wardrobe we’d rather plunder. Fortunately, it was announced this week that Kerry Taylor Auctions in southern London will auction more than thirty pieces from the actress’ closet in early December. The auction is predicted to earn upwards of £100,00 with half of all proceeds going to The Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund and Unicef.

The collection will include Audrey’s clothes, accessories and personal letters from the Fifties and Sixties, including a dress the actress wore in the movie Paris When It Sizzles. We’re especially excited about an ivory wedding gown designed by the Fontana sisters for Audrey’s marriage to James Hanson. The actress called off the wedding just weeks before she was set to walk down the aisle. The story goes that Audrey asked the designers to bestow the gift upon a “poor Italian girl.” Years later Amabile Altobella wore the gown to her own wedding. Quite a fabulous pressie if you ask us!

In the spirit of all things Audrey we give you a collage of current designs with a vintage feel.

Anna Friel, who plays Holly Golightly, the good-time New York gal Audrey immortalized in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, doing her best Audrey in a textured LBD.

27.11.2009 / no responses / Category: Celebrity Style File, Charitable Fashion, Fashion Newsroom
Collar creative

Autumn/winter 09 isn’t exactly the season of understatement. There is embellishment of every variety–studs, sequins and beads– as well as sharp shoulders and short skirts in bold colours. Whilst there’s no shortage of accessories this season, we love the supreme elegance of collar necklaces. These bejewelled bibs take a note from the choker craze of the mid nineties and add exquisite baubles and shiny metallics for a splash of luxury. A sparkly collar is all you need to make a statement during the holiday party circuit. Above our some of our very favourite jewelled neck decorations.

We love the black beaded goth bib from Marks & Spencer’s Autograph collection and at only £25 it’s a bargain! Topshop’s crystal ice princess necklace is fit for royalty at a fraction of the price. John Richard’s knotted ballchain is encrusted with jewels that circle the neckline seductively–just gorgeous, whilst Malene Birger’s embellished felt collar is sophisticated and perfect for day-to-night dressing.

Oscar de la Renta’s gem-plated necklace shines in fuchsia for your dressiest occasion. Skip the earrings when you tie up the black ribbon. We adore Lanvin’s chunky modern crystal bib, and the winding golds swirls and charms of YSL’s collars.

Get party pretty in these jewels.

27.11.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway, Haute Holidays
Orla Kiely on LynkU

Orla Kiely’s shop of stylish stems has officially launched on LynkU, and we can’t wait to get our hands on the new patterns! The Irish-born designer began her eponymous line in the nineties, injecting colour and pattern into a predominantly black palette. Kiely’s brand of seventies-inspired tones like mustard, khaki and burnt orange quickly became instantly recognisable–and covetable. Kiely’s line epitomizes casual chic.

No longer just to fashion fix satiate our obsessive handbag appetite, Kiely’s collection has blossomed into a full womenswear range. We’ve always admired the leaves, truth be told, but the current range is lifestyle appropriate for all occasions. We’re especially loving the graphic prints below.

Shop the entire range here.

Absolutely adore these mysterious mauve petals. This bag is the perfect size for fitting every little thing you need from day-to-day!

The oversized oval buckle is lovely, and we quite like original Orla: muddy yellow and oranges included.

This skinny leather belt is embossed in stylish stems and perfect for any outfit.

26.11.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
Sleeves, please

Though we still have 20 or so days until it’s “officially” winter, it sure feels like it out there. Plunging temperatures mean bundled luxury for evening wear. Sleeves you mean? Why yes, style sensible is the phrase of the day–or the season–and we are quite delighted with this cosy trend (ah, inner monologue is always fun to transcribe).

To be fair, this also gives us the opportunity to shed some light on Nicholas Guesquiere’s Autumn/Winter 09 collection for Balenciaga. Ghesquiere summed up autumn’s dramatic draping and energetic prints (see below) quite succinctly, “It’s Parisian” according to Style. Well if that’s Parisian, we want to be that (or is it Parisienne?! We’re going for authenticity here girls). The silky satin folds of fabric enhance the silhouette, adding volume in the right places (yes, these do exist!) and paired with long sleeved metallic mesh tops. This is winter-wear we absolutely need to own.

Keep the sleeves and hold the black (or at least reduce its presence), because Ghesquiere injects dark chocolate and navy into the colour palette. It’s difficult to push your noir obsession to afar off corner of the closet, but try we must, because Ghesquiere gives us plenty of pigments to work with. We especially love the creamy pink and ice blue above.

This is invest-able dressing. You need it. We need it. Ghesquiere understands his girls. Who are they? Where are they going and with whom? From full-length sleeves down to ankle boots tied with silk scarves, Ghesquiere never ceases to impress.

26.11.2009 / no responses / Category: A/W 09 Runway
French Connection sample sale

This weekend hit up French Connection’s three-day sample sale, from Friday to Sunday at 39 Camden Street. French Connection is a luxe high street favourite, so it’s sure to be packed with more affordable holiday goodies. Not to worry if you can’t make the first day of the sale, new stock will be introduced daily. Whilst a typical FC coat will set you back anywhere from £110 to £350 (for the leathers), jackets at the sale will start from £40. Dresses and knits available from £20! These are amazing gift-giving–and a bit of receiving–prices. Entry costs a pound, which will be donated to the Leukemia Trust. Click here for more information and a map.

26.11.2009 / no responses / Category: Sample Sales
First Lady fashion

To celebrate Thanksgiving on this side of the pond, we’ve decided to highlight the lovely Michelle Obama. We’re talking the politics of style here. Barack Obama was elected the first African-American president of the United States a year ago, and since then the fashion set has gone gaga for his stylish wife. Not since Jackie O. co-reigned over Camelot in the sixties has a First Lady’s wardrobe garnered this much attention. Whilst Jackie had her wide-rimmed sunglasses, Michelle accessorises with a wide waist belt and pearls.

The First Lady’s appeal lies in her approachable elegance, which shows she’s aware of current fashion trends and adjusts them to suit her personal look. Mrs. Obama dabbles on the American high street, favouring J.Crew, the Gap and even H&M (remember that stripey calf-length dress that sold out in days?), sources gowns from formerly under-the radar designers, including Maria Pinto, Isabel Toledo, Sophie Theallet who just won the FCDA Fashion Fund award (coincidence?), and frequents Thakoon, Azzedine Alaia and Michael Kors…to name a few. No, Mrs. O is not resigned to suiting up in the standard Herrara or de la Renta number, she dresses in bold prints, smart cuts (boat-necks and sheaths) and excels in high-low dressing.

Michelle (first name basis now, right) wore this gorgeous cream and gold gown to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The sparkling strapless dress was designed by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan. All eyes, including the President’s, were surely on the First Lady who looked stunning with a bare neck and a wrist full of silver and gold bangles.

John F. Kennedy once said of his wife, “I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris, and I have enjoyed it.” It appears that Barack Obama feels much the same.

26.11.2009 / 1 response / Category: Celebrity Style File
Gift List goodies

We’re back with gifts we love for the holiday season. This week bags are on the brain, hence you shall have quite the selection of day and/or/to night-wear. To top off lunch we’ll start with the most affordable of the bunch.

Ranging from £25 to £49, these bags epitomise autumn’s top styles: studded, embellished and shining. From top clockwise we have Ted Baker’s pale gold purse, Urban Outfitter’s peacock bag, Fiorelli’s glittery twilight blue clutch, Oasis’ studded leather pouch, Dorothy Perkins pyramid lock clutch, Mischa Barton’s stardust print bag and Topshop’s lovely embellished sequin feather clutch.

Starting from £75, these are gifts for the girl who loves style. From top, Angel Jackson’s bright pink snakeskin clutch, suede beaded fringe Pocahontas bag, violet leather and suede Ri2k tote, mini-stem Orla Kiely shoulder bag, classic buckle bag by Karen Millen, embroidered Antik Batik clutch, and a sweet Vivien Cheng vintage ocean purse.

Shop all styles (and some extra variations) on LynkU.

24.11.2009 / no responses / Category: Haute Holidays